Latest Best of LA

Best Of LA: Week Of July 14

This week, dineL.A. encourages Los Angelenos to sample the amazing fare of tasty restaurants across the city, but there is much more to this week than just tasty food. Celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Farmers Market at the Grove with a free birthday extravaganza, watch as taiko masters fill the stage with the thundering sound of percussion, or explore new technology at a first-of-its-kind conference.

Take advantage of some of the tastiest dishes in Los Angeles with the summer version of dineL.A. This year’s week is actually a 14-day event featuring specially priced prix-fixe menus (both lunch and dinner options available) at some of L.A.’s hottest dining scenes. With over 300 restaurants participating, there is something for everyone and plenty of chances to try something new. For more information, visit the Guide To dineLA Restaurant Week

As a resident of LA, you’ve surely visited the Farmer’s Market at the Grove atleast once. On Tuesday, join in on the birthday celebration as the Original Farmer’s Market turns 80. Just after noon, you can kick off the fun with a massive Happy Birthday sing-a-long, free cake from Normandie Bakery, granita iced beverages from Zia Valentina, and a strolling 20s/30s gypsy jazz duo. Be sure to sign the giant birthday card as well. Want to stay for dinner? Purchase tickets to a special birthday version of the 6th annual Taste of Farmers Market to enjoy a moveable feast of samples from over 50 restaurants, including beer and wine, plus live entertainment and more.

Celebrate the third Wednesday of the month at Downtown Culver City’s “All-American Neighborhood Happy Hour” featuring a patriotic twist on this fun, monthly event. This month, Happy Hour is going family friendly, and you visit a variety of downtown restaurants and bars to sample patriotic beverages (alcoholic and non) or keep it kid friendly with a sampling of red, white, and blue themed desserts. Culver City Third Wednesdays are a great way to enjoy a night out. Dine on specials from restaurants, sop wine and cocktails by the city’s best mixologists and even catch a show.

Celebrate the start of tuffle season with a one-night-only event at CAFE del REY. A special five-course menu paired with Summerland Wines will tempt your palate with dishes including pork rolled in truffle with tri-colored cauliflower, truffle rabbit jus, and tapiaco “risotto” with roasted figs and a thyme tuile with truffle anglaise. All truffles come from Manjimup, The Truffle & Wine Company, the largest producer of Western Australian truffles. The dinner is $85.

Bringing together the worlds of technology, entertainment, music, sports, and health, check out the one-day, first of its kind event, Wearable Tech LA. Meet technology creators and innovators, hearing from emerging startups in the field, and visit with industry experts. The conference includes a full schedule of activities including 20 keynotes, 50 speakers, investment opportunities, and plenty of brand-new, cutting-edge technology to discover. Use coupon code FRIENDSOFWTLA for 20% off!

Theatre Planners presents the world premiere of a romantic comedy, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Peter Lefcourt. In this wacky comedy, two ex-spouses and their current partners meet up for the first time in years resulting in a mess of hilarious, and at times heartwarming, mix of romantic difficulties. Prices start at $25.

Taiko Nation will feature the world’s top taiko ensembles and performers demonstrating their impressive percussion skills in three concerts this weekend. According to Japanese mythology, the taiko style of music was created when a Shinto goddess emptied out a barrel of sake and jumped on the barrel’s head, stomping on it to create percussive rhythms to entice another goddess. When all the gods joined in, the rhythms and intensity was an impressive sound to all. The stellar lineup will perform individually, and impressively, as a large group for the opening and closing finale.

The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Once” is making its way to the Pantages Theatre for a limited four-week engagement. Based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning film of the same name, the story follows an Irish musician and Czech immigrant as they forge an unexpected romance through their shared love of music. Music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, with book by award-winning Irish playwright, Edna Walsh.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.